Best of Indian art at ‘Eye on India’ Festival

eye on india-webCHICAGO: Eye on India and Teamwork Arts has slated its 5th annual Eye on India Festival May 28 through June 28.

From cinema, photography and music, to fashion, dance and yoga, Eye on India showcases the best of contemporary and traditional Indian art in a variety of locations across the city. More than 12 events are planned, and each will be co-presented by arts, business, and community partner organizations throughout Chicago.

Eye on India Festival President and Chicagoan Anuradha Behari created the festival after attending the Jaipur Literature Festival, one of the largest of its kind in the world. She planned replicating this spirit of collaboration and discovery, and share the depth and breadth of modern India in her hometown.

“Professionally I have witnessed a keen interest from U.S. business leaders to better understand India, and there is a mutual desire to build and strengthen relationships. There is also a growing curiosity in the general population about contemporary Indian culture that is not being fulfilled. Since Chicago is already known for its world-class festivals, the time was felt right to establish a new festival that is providing an opportunity to foster dialogue and build cultural ties between India and the US, Behari observed.

The Opening Night Gala is slated for Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 pm at Bridgeport Arts Center It will preview highlights of the upcoming festival, including acclaimed Photographer Rohit Chawla’s Wanderlust exhibition, and the “Zero Waste Sari Project” created by fashion students of Columbia College Chicago. The evening also includes dinner and musical entertainment by Sara Ranganathan and the Chicago Children’s Choir. In addition, Eye on India will honor an outstanding ambassador of Indian and American cultural exchange.

Festival Events:
May 28 – Opening Gala
June 3 – Rohit Chawla: Wanderlust Opening Reception
June 4 – Om Puri – In Conversation
June 5 – Om Puri screening TBD
June 9 – Om Puri cinematography workshop
June 20 – ARKA in Concert
June 21 – Fareed Haque, George Brooks, and ARKA in Concert
June 21 – International Yoga Day Celebration
June 22-28 Indian Raga Labs
June 25 – Indian Raga Performance

Stephanie Kulke